[IL] What should I do if my landlord hasn't made any repairs I've requested?
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I am so very sorry to hear of this issue. Once you have given your landlord notice of these issues, they have to fix the issue within a reasonable amount of time (generally 7 days). If your landlord does not do so, you can sue for a breach of the implied warranty of habitability and ask the judge to:
- Let you out of the lease, and/or
- Award you monetary compensation
You can do this at your local small claims court by:
- Going to court and filling out the complaint packet
- Filing it and serving it on the landlord
- Attending a hearing where the judge will determine liability and damages
If you need an attorney, you can:
- Contact your local bar association for a referral
- Reach out to your local legal aid society, which provides free or low-cost services
- Check with local law school clinics, which often help with these kinds of cases
My goal is to ensure you clearly understand your next steps. Let me know if you need clarification or have further questions.
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Hello, I’ve been renting at my current apartment for 10 years and the landlord hasn’t made any repairs I’ve requested—carpet and also a new refrigerator. He came in one day saying he would come and fix the paint and removed my stove. He’s also been illegally using my electricity.
I'm sorry to hear about the issues you're facing with your landlord. Have you documented all the repair requests you've made?
Yes.
Have you tried discussing these issues with your landlord directly or through any formal channels like written notices or complaints?
Directly—and he flat out said they wouldn’t reimburse me for the electricity.
Is there anything else the Landlord-Tenant Lawyer should know before I connect you?
No.
Hello, my name is Charlie, and I am a licensed attorney. I would like to welcome you to AskALawyer! I apologize that you are experiencing these issues, but I will be happy to assist you with your questions today. Please allow me a moment to review your question, and I will be right with you.
Which state do you live in?
Illinois.
Understood. Do you have a lease with your landlord?
Yes.
How much time is left on the lease currently?
Six months—but they want to sell the property and are asking the tenants to move.
Are your appliances not working correctly?
The refrigerator isn’t working. Only the freezer portion.
How long has the fridge not been working properly?
Two months. And he took the stove out in October and hasn’t replaced it.
Have you withheld any rent?
For April and May—because he’s been stealing electricity.
Got it. Let me provide some information to help.
I am so very sorry to hear of this issue. Once you have given your landlord notice of these issues, they have to fix the issue within a reasonable amount of time (generally 7 days). If your landlord does not do so, you can sue for a breach of the implied warranty of habitability and ask the judge to:
- Let you out of the lease, and/or
- Award you monetary compensation
You can do this at your local small claims court by:
- Going to court and filling out the complaint packet
- Filing it and serving it on the landlord
- Attending a hearing where the judge will determine liability and damages
If you need an attorney, you can:
- Contact your local bar association for a referral
- Reach out to your local legal aid society, which provides free or low-cost services
- Check with local law school clinics, which often help with these kinds of cases
My goal is to ensure you clearly understand your next steps. Let me know if you need clarification or have further questions.
Do you recommend having legal representation?
No, not necessarily. You could handle the claim on your own using the steps above.
Okay, I appreciate your help.
